Hello,
My name is Clarissa. I was just looking at my cousin's MySpace page which just happens to have pictures of me on it! Why don't I see how large I really am when I look in the mirror? It is just awful. I know that all of this weight is my own fault. I know that I am overweight. I just didn't realise that I am obese.
Well ... it is 1:00 AM early Sunday morning and I am determined to make this my first day of my new life. I really don't know how much I weigh. 210 lbs. would be a guess. The last time I weighed myself I was 190 lbs. I don't know if this is the correct place to be putting all of this information, but help and encouragement would be great.

Thanks for "listening",
Clarissa
South Florida

I just started a blog at myjourneystarts.blogspot.com

Welcome, Clarissa!

I know what you mean about the mirror. I figure that I must "hold" myself in a particularly flattering stance when I'm standing in front of one. And I unconsciously suck in my stomach.
It's only when I see a photograph or catch a glimpse of myself in a store window that I think, "What the heck!?!?"

What sort of plan are you thinking of doing? Anything specific, or simply making some lifestyle changes?
Let us know what we can point you towards.

Welcome, clarissa! We've all been in that "oh sh*t" moment, where you look at a photo and someone else stares back at you. I'd look at the forums, the different plans people follow, do some research, and get on the wagon - this is the place to do it! Best of luck

I can understand what you mean about the mirror. I look in the mirror and I don't look that bad, but for me, when I go clothes shopping those mirrors are horrible. I can see every little roll when I go out to buy new clothes. This is my first day on this forum too. Maybe we can find the support we need here and support each other.

Congrats on 50lbs lost. Thats dedication.

Thank you so very much for the encouragement. I am going to need every last bit.

Thank you so very much for the encouragement. I am going to need every last bit. Well, my "diet" that I will be following is going to be highly portion controlling and more exercise. When I say more it's kind of funny because I don't get any at all right now. One jumping jack would be more. lol. I am going to start walking and ... I don't want to make anymore plans until I get to that point.

Clarissa Ann -
I know what you mean about "more exercise" meaning ANY. I wasn't much of a mover (just a shaker!) when I started out. And I waited until I started losing weight and increasing my energy level before I did anything "big" like join a gym. I started out small -- good long walks, stretches in my Special Ed. students' Gym class, and the like.
I knew that I would become easily discouraged if I tried something big and ended up worn out and aching.
Two months ago, I finally joined a Gym and have been having a great time with it (though I must admit I've been out for a couple of weeks due to a respiratory thing).
If you need to take baby steps, do it that way. Start with small changes. With each little success, you'll feel more energized to take the bigger steps!
Good luck!

You've come to the right place for information and support. We don't see ourselves the way pictures show us! I know what you mean! You are able to do something about it, so jump on board! Good luck on your journey!Bethz

Thanks so much! Everyone here is so nice. It is refreshing.

Thank you, everyone's kind words help alot.

Clarissa-

I'm new here as well and was wondering if you would be at all interested in being "buddies." I really think it would be cool to have someone I could message once a day with a progress "report" on how I did that day, and vice versa. I just noticed that we have similar weight loss goals and I, like you, am only recently realizing that I'm well...pretty gigantic! I would have P.M.ed you this, however, I have yet to make ten posts on the site so I can't yet, but I'm almost up to ten! So, if you are interested, let me know!

-Jess

I know exactly what you mean. I don't like people taking pictures of me for that very reason. It's hard to wrap my brain around how big I really am, when I don't THINK I'm that big.

The funny thing about it is that when people lose their weight, they say they have a hard time seeing themselves as THIN and that they are always suprised when they see themselves in pictures.

You can do it!

Hey Jess,
That would be great! I haven't a clue to what kind of diet I am going to go on though. I've tried atkins before and it worked well enough (I lost around 20 lbs on it) but the weight loss didn't stick. I'm just starting this venture, so I have decided NO COLA period. I can't stand diet soda anyway. That is my first 2 week plan. I am going to stick to water and one serving of fruit juice a day. I just made an arrangement to purchase a treadmill from a girl on craigslist. It's always perfect weather to walk outside where I am (Fort Lauderdale), but sometimes I just have things to do at home and sometimes I get home too late from work. Well if you still want to chat after all this babbling, feel free.
Cheers,
Clarissa